If Wolves beat Blackburn they will be safe – unless Hull have beaten Sunderland and then go on to cut back a goal difference of about 17 in their last two games.

It is a considerable achievement by Wolves boss McCarthy to get Wolves to the brink of safety after a tough start when they were hammered by Sunderland, Arsenal and Chelsea.

McCarthy reshaped the team into a 4-5-1 formation and paid tribute to Craddock for his part in that successful switch.

“I guess Craddock has become a bit of a cult hero,” said McCarthy. “He’s such a lovely person but is a right rough, tough, centre-half that kicks it, heads it and does his job without dressing it up as anything else. I love him for that.

“Craddock painted a picture of us celebrating promotion 12 months ago. If he does one this year, I will make sure he includes himself in it – he deserves it.”